A message from Sandy. Whenever I start a new creative project it’s always a little scary. You start to wonder how it will turn out, what if it’s not perfect, what of no one likes it? This is right about the time my inner critic rears its ugly head, that element of uncertainty was all it needed to show up. My inner critic–I call her Critical Carol, always has something to say, you know the voice in your head telling you “you’re not good enough, you’re work isn’t good enough, this is a stupid idea, you’re wasting your time” and various other negative phrases. I picture Critical Carol riding a broom around my head (granted a very small broom) she’s sort of like a mosquito you can hear buzzing in your ear and keep swatting at it, but keep missing and just hit yourself. Critical Carol is stubborn, and she usually returns after I think I’ve gotten rid of her for good. So I’m wondering what I can do to get rid of her?

                  1. I could listen to Critical Carol, write down every negative thing she says,and decide if I agree  her or not, then burn it. Maybe I will perform a banishment ceremony whenever Critical Carol gets to  loud.

                 2. When Critical Carol is getting in the way of my work, I try focusing on my surroundings. What do I smell? What do I hear? What do I see or feel? This gets me out of my head and into the moment.

                 3. I could talk to Critical Carol, thank her for caring, but tell her it’s time to go now.

                 4. I could take  a break, go outside and reconnect with the creative energies that are around us.

Critical Carol has her own favorite issues, and her issues can get in the way of my creativity, and if her mission is successful I may not start my work at all. I would really like to  know what your inner critic says and how do you get rid of  her/him?